Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Description

These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine two classic American comfort foods into one seriously satisfying sandwich. Juicy seasoned ground beef is cooked with tender bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, garlic, and a rich savory sauce, then topped with plenty of melted provolone cheese. Everything is piled onto toasted buttery brioche or hamburger buns for a messy, cheesy dinner that delivers Philly cheesesteak-inspired flavor without needing thinly sliced steak. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, affordable for feeding a family, and perfect for game day, casual parties, or whenever you’re craving something warm, beefy, and extra cheesy.

Ingredients For the Beef Filling

• 1½ lbs lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

For Thickening

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water

For the Cheese

• 6–8 slices provolone cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella, optional

For Serving

• 6 brioche or hamburger buns
• 2 tbsp softened butter
• Chopped fresh parsley, optional
• Pickled peppers, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and mushrooms.
3. Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and develop a little color.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
5. Transfer the vegetables to a plate temporarily if your skillet is crowded.
6. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet.
7. Break the beef into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
8. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
9. Carefully drain excessive grease from the skillet if necessary.
10. Return the cooked peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the beef.
11. Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, and tomato paste.
12. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
13. Stir thoroughly so the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasonings.
14. Pour in the beef broth and stir well, scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
15. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
16. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth.
17. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the beef mixture while stirring.
18. Continue cooking for approximately 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the beef without becoming dry.
19. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
20. Reduce the heat to low.
21. Arrange the provolone slices directly over the hot beef mixture.
22. Add shredded mozzarella if you want an extra-cheesy filling.
23. Cover the skillet for approximately 1–2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
24. Meanwhile, lightly butter the cut sides of the buns.
25. Toast the buns in a clean skillet, under the broiler, or on a griddle until lightly golden.
26. Spoon a generous amount of the hot cheesesteak filling onto each bottom bun.
27. Make sure every sandwich gets plenty of beef, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and melted cheese.
28. Add optional pickled peppers for a tangy kick.
29. Place the toasted top bun over the filling and serve immediately.

Tips

• Toast the buns. This adds flavor and helps prevent them from becoming soggy underneath the juicy beef filling.
• Use lean ground beef, such as 85/15 or 90/10, for plenty of flavor without excessive grease.
• Dice the vegetables relatively small so they blend naturally into the sloppy joe mixture.
• Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce; it adds excellent savory depth.
• Provolone provides the most recognizable cheesesteak-inspired flavor, but American cheese, mozzarella, or white cheddar can also work.
• Keep the filling thick rather than watery so it stays inside the sandwich.
• If you love peppers, use a combination of green and red bell peppers.
• For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños, hot cherry peppers, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Notes

The beef filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. For the best results, store the buns separately and assemble the sandwiches only when ready to eat. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth if it becomes too thick. Add fresh provolone after reheating so you still get that irresistible melted-cheese finish.

Q&A

Can I make Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes without mushrooms?
Yes. Simply leave them out and add a little extra bell pepper or onion if desired.
What is the best cheese to use?
Provolone is an excellent choice because it melts beautifully and pairs naturally with beef and peppers. American cheese is another creamy option.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works, although the flavor will be lighter. Add a little additional Worcestershire sauce or beef-style seasoning for extra depth.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then combine it with the vegetables and sauce ingredients in the slow cooker. Add cheese shortly before serving.
What should I serve with them?
French fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, potato salad, roasted vegetables, pickles, or a simple green salad all pair well.

Servings

Makes approximately 6 sandwiches

Nutrition (Approx. Per Sandwich)

• Calories: 590
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Potassium: 620mg
  Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ground beef, cheese, buns, vegetables, sauces, and portion size.